Israel and Iran engaged in mutual attacks on Saturday amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as the U.S. Department of Defense prepared to deploy thousands more Marines to the region. The escalation comes amid criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused NATO allies of “cowardice” for their reluctance to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel targeted locations in Iran, including Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan, while also launching airstrikes on southern Beirut, citing Hezbollah as the target. This marks the deadliest spillover from the conflict since Hezbollah fired on Israel on March 2 in support of Tehran. Air raid sirens in Israel sent millions of residents to shelters, though no immediate casualties were reported from Saturday’s strikes.
Meanwhile, Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia, demonstrating the long reach of its missiles, though reports indicated the base was not hit. Israeli military officials issued evacuation warnings in Beirut’s southern suburbs, where more than 1 million residents have already been displaced and over 1,000 killed in recent attacks.
The conflict has significantly disrupted global energy markets. Vital oil and gas infrastructure in Iran and neighboring Gulf states has been attacked, sending Brent crude and natural gas prices soaring. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about a fifth of the world’s oil supply, has been effectively closed to most shipping.
In response, the Trump administration announced a 30-day waiver on sanctions for 140 million barrels of Iranian oil, aiming to stabilize supply and contain prices. Japan, reliant on the strait for nearly 90% of its oil shipments, has been assured passage for its vessels, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Amid the chaos, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a message of defiance, praising national unity and resistance against Israel and its allies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed uncertainty over Iran’s leadership due to Khamenei’s public absence following an initial Israeli strike that wounded him.
The U.S. confirmed deployment of 2,500 Marines along with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and supporting vessels to the region. Officials stated there has been no decision yet on a large-scale ground operation in Iran, but Americans are reportedly anxious, with almost two-thirds of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll expecting potential troop engagement.
The intensifying conflict has raised global concerns over energy security, regional stability, and the risk of further escalation in the Middle East.